The Tragic Fourth of July Death of a Local Policeman
A Seattle officer lost his life in a freak horseback accident during the city's holiday celebrations, marking a somber end to the 1885 festivities.
Policeman Charter Williams was thrown from his horse on the 4th, falling directly down on a stump and hurting him so badly that he died. He was buried on the 5th, home and visiting flags were displayed at half-mast, and the police force marched three times over the grave.
“He was buried on the 5th, home and visiting flags were displayed at half-mast, and the police force marched three times over the grave.”
Accidents involving police on duty remain a tragic reality in Seattle's history, highlighting the long-standing risks inherent in civic protection. While the city's population and methods of policing have drastically shifted since 1885, the public mourning of a fallen officer continues to be a poignant feature of the local community.
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